Our 5 Favorite Free International Calling Apps (2024)

Enjoy voice and video calls with friends and family around the globe, but keep a close eye on your plan; data overages could still get spendy

By
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Senior Editor & Content Strategist
    Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing.
    lifewire's editorial guidelines
    Updated on September 24, 2024
    Reviewed by
    Ryan Perian
    Ryan Perian headshot
    Reviewed by Ryan Perian
    • Western Governors University
    Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
    lifewire's editorial guidelines

    In many instances, you can call abroad for free. We've tested different options for doing so and found these apps offer free international calls to at least one, if not many, countries.

    Most of them also have chat features so you can stay in touch with quick messages in between calls and share photos and videos. Take a look at our five favorite apps to make international calls.

    01
    of 05

    Most Secure: WhatsApp

    WhatsApp calls screens
    What We Like

    • Free voice and video calls.

    • Group calling available.

    • End-to-end encryption.

    What We Don't Like

    • Frequent use could cause data overage.

    • Encryption only if both parties have right version of app.

    • No emergency calling.

    WhatsApp is a messaging and voice call app for Android and iOS that uses data, not your cellular plan. You can make voice and video calls to people all over the world for free, though you need to keep an eye on your data usage each month. The app also supports group calls.

    In 2016, WhatsApp added end-to-end encryption that applies to all messages and calls using the app. However, if you’re chatting with someone who has an older version, none of your communications are encrypted.

    There are also web and desktop versions of WhatsApp. You can’t use it to call emergency services such as 911 in the U.S.

    Download For:

    02
    of 05

    Best For Group Calls: Skype

    Skype's share and connect screen and dialer
    What We Like

    • Free calls to Skype users.

    • Send video or voice message if call missed.

    What We Don't Like

    • Risk of data overage.

    • Doesn’t use end-to-end encryption.

    Skype is a VoIP service that’s been around since 2003 and has always been an easy way to make free national and international calls. You can use it for voice and video calls, as well as group calls with up to 100 participants for free when communicating with other Skype users.

    Charges apply if you contact someone outside of Skype, but the company is upfront about the rates, and unlimited monthly packages are available.

    Like WhatsApp and other services that use data, you can’t use Skype to contact emergency services, since they can’t accurately pinpoint your location. In addition to Android and iOS, you can also make international calls from your PC or Mac computer, web browser, and even Xbox.

    Download For:

    03
    of 05

    Best For Video Calls on iOS: Facetime

    Facetime video
    What We Like

    • Free video calls over Wi-Fi.

    • Communications protected by end-to-end encryption.

    What We Don't Like

    • Android users can only join calls in progress.

    • Older devices only support video, not voice, calls.

    FaceTime is a free voice and video call app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. You can call people over Wi-Fi or using mobile data around the world, except for a handful of countries.

    To set up an account, you need an Apple ID/Apple Account. On an iPhone, FaceTime automatically registers your phone number. On an iPad or iPod touch, first, turn it on from Settings > FaceTime to start using it on your device.

    To contact friends, you need the phone number or email associated with their Apple Account. You can also switch to a FaceTime call during a regular phone call as long as you both have accounts.

    If you're running iOS 15 or later, you can also invite Android users to calls already in progress with a special join link.

    04
    of 05

    Best For Calls Between the U.S. and Canada: Google Voice

    Google Voice app message list and dialer
    What We Like

    • Can forward up to six numbers to your account.

    • Free voicemail transcription.

    • Can record incoming calls.

    What We Don't Like

    • Can only make outgoing calls from the U.S.

    • Free calls available only between the U.S. and Canada.

    • Not free to call landlines, only other Google Voice numbers.

    Google Voice is a VoIP service that’s mostly free. You can forward up to six numbers to your account, but have each one ring before going to voicemail.

    If you turn on transcription, you can receive emails or text messages with transcripts of your voicemails. In addition to Android and iOS apps, you can also use Google Voice in a desktop browser.

    If you’re in the U.S., most calls to people in the U.S and Canada are free. Rates for calls to other parts of the world vary. Google lists the pricing by country on the Google Voice website.

    Download For:

    05
    of 05

    Good VoIP App: Viber

    Viber app calls screen and options menu
    What We Like

    • Free calls to other Viber users.

    • Simple sign-up.

    What We Don't Like

    • Calls and texts aren’t encrypted.

    • Uses data.

    Viber is another VoIP service that offers free voice and video calls to other users, and cheap rates for calls to landlines and mobile phones. All you need to register is a valid phone number, which your contacts can use to find you on the app. Viber has Android and iOS apps, as well as a browser version.

    While Viber isn’t as popular as WhatsApp and Skype are in the U.S., it's popular in other parts of the world, such as Eastern Europe. Like its competitors, it can send messages, and you can also share photos and other media through the app.

    Download For:

    FAQ
    • How do I make free international calls from a PC?

      Many VoIP apps also have a web version that you can use with any device that can access the internet. Examples include Skype, Viber, and Google Voice.

    • How much do international calls cost?

      The price of international calls can depend on your cellular carrier. For example, T-Mobile plans charge $0.25 per minute, while Verizon charges an extra monthly fee with no limits. Other plans may offer unlimited texting.

    Was this page helpful?